Reishi Mushroom Supplements for Health and Aging

Reishi mushroom supplements are used for their purported anti-aging and immune boosting effects.

Reishi mushrooms are also known as Ganoderma lucidum; members of the Ganodermataceae family.

Reishi is a polypore fungi that has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. Its name roughly translates to “mushroom of immortality” and it is believed to promote longevity by supporting the immune system, promoting liver health and inhibiting tumor growth.

Although more research is required, G. lucidum is implicated as a possible therapeutic agent for use against immune disorders, high blood pressure, infections from viruses, cardiovascular disease, cancer, kidney disease, AIDS/HIV, bronchial disorders and inflammatory diseases.

There are six different colors of reishi mushrooms found in nature. It is the red reishi mushroom that is the most commonly used for dietary supplements.

The active constituent in Reishi supplements is ganoderic acid, a triterpenoid complex of more than a dozen compounds. This extract has been found to exhibit liver protective, anti-oxidant and anti-cancer effects in research trials.

Reishi mushroom extracts are used to protect the liver and kidneys from excessive toxicity/damage, reduce the effects of daily stress, inhibit fatigue, treat insomnia and relieve gastric ulcers.

Despite the long history of traditional use for this supplement, there has been relatively little clinical research into the efficacy of this mushroom. Many of the purported benefits have not been sufficiently studied in human trials to rate effectiveness. Much of the current research has been conducted in vitro or in animal studies.

Reishi Mushroom Supplements for Cancer

Reishi mushroom supplements are often touted as having anti-cancer effects. Research shows chemoprotective and antitumor mechanisms including:

It has been shown to inhibit the development of breast, colorectal, cervical, lung, prostate and stomach cancers in laboratory studies, but these results need to be replicated in clinical research trials with humans.

Reishi Supplements for Cardiovascular Health

Extracts from the reishi mushroom have been found to exhibit cardioprotective actions. This means that they may support healthy heart function.

In one research study involving rabbits and rats, reishi mycelium was administered and resulted in a reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. This effect was dose-dependent, meaning that higher doses of reishi resulted in greater hypotensive effects. Notably, the heart rate was not lowered following supplementation.

Reishi extract was also observed to inhibit the effects of angiotensin converting enzyme and to increase vasodilation. This may explain why the supplement can reduce blood pressure without negatively affecting circulation. However, in one human research trial, there was no effect on blood pressure.

Additional Reported Effects

Research suggests that reishi may improve symptoms of chest pains (angina), shortness of breath, heart palpitations and other symptoms associated with coronary artery disease.

Are Reishi Mushroom Supplements Safe?

Reishi mushroom extracts have been used in traditional medicine for over 2,000 years. This fungus has also been used as a dietary ingredient in many different countries

It is classified as a superior herb by the Chinese, which means it is considered to have a low risk of causing negative side effects.

According to the Natural Medicines database, this supplement is Possibly Safe when the extract used orally at appropriate dosages for up to one year. However, certain powdered forms of reishi are considered Possibly Unsafe when used for more than 30 days consecutively.

Powdered reishi supplements have been linked to cases of liver damage and hepatitis. In one instance, there was a fatal case of sudden onset hepatitis following bulk reishi powder use. It is unclear whether this is the result of a pre-existing condition, a specific contaminated product or the effects of the reishi mushroom itself.

Because of possible effects on blood pressure, reishi is not recommended for anyone scheduled for surgical procedures within three weeks. It should be used cautiously if you take medications for hypertension, diabetes, thrombocytopenia and/or bleeding disorders.

There is insufficient research available to rate the safety of reishi mushroom supplements for pregnant or nursing women. Do not use this supplement without first consulting with your doctor.

SIDE EFFECTS: Rated Possibly Safe for oral use in extract form at appropriate dosages. May cause headache, dizziness or skin rash in some cases. Powdered reishi has been linked to hepatoxic effects. READ MORE...

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